Brainwaves issue 17: fun crafts to try at home

ACE of lace
I always carry a bootlace with me. Not only have you got a spare in case one of your laces snaps, but it can come in handy for other situations too. The other day, I used it to keep my rucksack off the floor of the bus, which was really wet. It kept my bag dry and secure all the way home.
Rose Janes, Monmouth

Self-raising FLOWERS
I love tulips, but after a few days they start to droop. However, I’ve discovered a way to perk them up and keep them looking good for a few extra days. All you have to do is cut a small amount from the bottom of their stems, then carefully add a few drops of bleach.
Maggie Cobbett, Ripon, N Yorks

Ea-zip-eezy
Zips can be fiddly things to use, but if your little one is struggling, I have found the perfect solution. Make it easier for them to learn how to zip up by themselves by attaching a small key ring — then they’ve got something to grab on to. It works a treat and adds a cute feature to their coat too!
Julia Plummer, South Molton, Devon

I’ve got it covered!
I wanted to get a big, comfortable cushion, but I didn’t want to spend loads of money on it. Then I had an idea about how to make one myself. I had some old pillows that were destined for the bin and some curtain material lying around. I cut the material to size and, using the eyelets as a feature, stitched it together to create a cushion cover. Finally, I used the filling from the old pillows to stuff it. It’s exactly what I wanted — and it didn’t cost a penny! 
Claire Brooks, Edinburgh

Melting moment
I love having a wax melt on the go, filling my house with a pleasant scent. And now I’ve found a way to make them last longer. Once the scent has gone, I just add a few drops of my favourite essential oil and it’s like having a new one in there! It also means you can customise the melt to give off your favourite scents. 
Anna Heslop, Dunfermline, Fife

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Let’s hear it for THE TOY**
My dog is forever breaking the toys I buy, but when one has been destroyed, I always hang on to the squeaker. You can put them into another toy or even make your own toys. I made some bone-shaped ones out of scrap material, adding the old squeakers. 
It means I have a very happy hound. 
Teri Anderson, Waltham Abbey, Essex